'Mixed views' on proposed 10-year enforcement limit in Scotland

Proposals to strengthen provisions in the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 have been met with mixed views from industry.

The consultation, carried out late last year by the Scottish Government, proposed to introduce a 10-year time limit for enforcement action after the acceptance of a completion certificate for High Risk Buildings (HRBs).

Overall, two thirds (67%) of respondents supported this proposal to some extent; 30% strongly agreed and 37% agreed. However, 14% of respondents expressed some disagreement. Many felt the proposal should apply to all buildings, not just HRBs. One local authority expressed a view that action was more likely to be required for newly built multi-plot housing.

In response, the Scottish Government will consider this further to understand the impacts of any proposed changes to strengthen section 27 enforcement powers.

The full consultation document is available here.